Nintendo Wii Console Review

This new age unit here is a very small and slim gaming-only console that comes with new way to play video games and it is said to be three times more powerful then the Gamecube itself.  We'll see.

If you do manage to find one (dam, the girl at Walmart said it would be much easier to get then the PS3) you'll be happy to know the console is only a mere 250 bucks Canadian (250 US). You get the system itself, sensor bar to read the controller, the TV and wall hook ups, and even the bonus game Wii Sports (when was the last time a gaming company gave you a free game at launch, eh?). The system lets you customize players and menus, get the latest downloads in the shop, plus there is even the option to check the weather if you like.

There is a reason the Wii console is cheaper then the competition though. Although the sharp 3D graphics do look better then the Gamecube games, the Wii isn't as powerful technically as the Xbox 360 and Playstation3 so you may see less detail in some of the polygon textures and there maybe some smaller frame rate issues on multi-platform games like Madden 07 as well (the system doesn't even support Hi-Definition televisions believe it or not). There is no DVD or Blu-ray disc support either so you can forget about watching movies on it too. The system maybe lacking some tech, Nintendo is hoping the revolutionary nun-chuck controller here will make you want to play with the system instead for example.

The new controller may look like a goofy wireless TV remote here at first but wait till you try this sucker out! Just moving the controller around in the air just may effect what happens in the game thanks to the special motion sensitive functions built right in. These controllers even let you store data if you make a character on the Wii so can use that guy at a friend's house and it has it own speaker too. There is an extra analog hook up that not only has more buttons but it is also motion sensitive so it's possible to have both your hands moving like crazy while playing. The price is a little high because the Wii-mote itself is 40 bucks and the extra part is another 20 but the thing is still like nothing else I ever played before. You can either play a lot of these new Wii games like the excellent Zelda: Twilight Princess by sitting down like in most standard video game or others actually require you to stand up to play to help bring a new level of immersion for gamers. A great example of the controllers special interactive features is right there in the pack in game Wii Sports.

If you were a fan of Nintendo's previous Gamecube (all 18 of you) you'll be happy to know those games are fully compatible with the Wii here as well. Just lift up the system's top panel and you'll see the four controller and two memory card ports for the Gamecube accessories. The system will not only be backward compatible with the Gamecube discs but Nintendo also promises the system will be able to play the older games from the Nintendo Entertainment System, Super Nintendo, and Nintendo 64 eras viva Internet download. Nintendo could be all snobby about their games and release only their classic titles but even the once rival Turbografx-16, Neo Geo and even the Sega Genesis systems are part of the Wii's line up as well. You even have the option to buy a special Wii game pads (30 bucks) if you like the more classic style controllers if you like or you can use the Wii or Gamecube ones. Most Snes and N64 downloadable titles will require the Classic Controller to play though so be sure to check what controllers you can use first before you commit to buy.

The Nintendo Wii looks and plays amazing so far and those interactive games really do get you off the couch so you can throw out all those lame exercise equipment you never use because chances are they suck compared to this. That alone makes it worth buying. OK, the system doesn't have strength of the Xbox 360 and PS3 and I don't like how the console doesn't support online or even LAN multi-player games yet but I like how cheap it is, the games feels uniquely interactive, and the classic downloads helps gamers relive the great legends of the past. The Nintendo Wii is a stunning little console and I can't wait to see what the future holds. Just imagine the Wii adult games!

Nintendo Wii overall rating: 87/100

This review is also on:
videogames101.com
epinions.com

StarSoldier1
(Ryan Genno) 2007